Thinking outside the box….or in this case, outside of the kitchen.
Manufactured kitchen cabinets are made in standard sizes-usually 3”increments in width, limited heights and standard depths for the wall, base and tall cabinets.
These sizes work well in most kitchens and bathrooms, and have been a standard in designing these rooms for years.
But, have you thought about using these same standard cabinets in other ways? Clear your mind of the preconceived uses and get creative with these well-constructed boxes.
Here are some ideas for unusual uses for kitchen cabinets.
Tall oven cabinet = Coat Hook Cubby.
Manufactured double oven cabinets are usually 27, 30 or 33”in width, 24”deep and 84”, 90” or 96”high, The cabinet comes with a large open space for the oven installation.
Instead, finish the interior of the opening with paneling-a beaded look is nice- install coat hooks on the back wall, a finished platform at the bottom and voila, you have a perfect place for coats, backpacks, and sports gear. These cabinets usually have a deep drawer on the bottom which will provide additional storage. Install the cabinet in a mudroom or entryway for an attractive and useful addition.
Deep wall cabinet= a bench or window seat
Wall cabinets for the area above the refrigerator are made deeper, at 24” and are from 12” to 24” in height. Take this same cabinet down to the floor and you’ll have a great bench and storage unit. It would be best to build a platform or add decorative “feet” to raise the bench to the proper seat height for your installation. This will guarantee clearance for the doors to open, as well. Reinforce the top with a piece of finished plywood or wood countertop, that rests on the frame of the cabinet. This will strengthen the bench. Add a cushion or pillows and you have a cozy spot for taking off your boots or reading a book by a window. This bench could be installed next to your Coat hook Cubby that you made above, or center it in your walk-in closet. It would also provide great toy storage in your child’s room.
Wall Cabinets=Coffee Table or Nightstand
The same deep wall cabinet mentioned above can be used as a coffee table. Many styles of decorative feet are available-bun, tapered, Queen Anne style-or add casters for mobility. Simply turn the cabinet upside down, install corner blocks diagonally for stability and attach the feet or casters in the 4 corners.
Usually the back of the cabinet is unfinished, so paneling will need to be applied to finish it. Add some molding or a decorative embellishment for detail. The top of the new table can be wood or a beautiful piece of granite.
Or, you can create a shadowbox effect. The cabinet usually has a 1”-1 ½” recessed area on the top. Stain this space or cover in a dark fabric and place your mementos or artwork in the recess. Have a ½”piece of glass cut for the cabinet top. You’ll have a personalized and useful furniture piece.
This same idea can be applied to a narrow, 30” high wall cabinet. We are often left with a narrow space bedside, leaving little room for a nightstand. Use a 12” or 15” wall cabinet, install feet and a wood top and you’ll have the perfect spot for your alarm clock.
Drawer Bases = Bedroom furniture
The depth and strength of kitchen drawers make terrific clothing storage. If you have the space, a three drawer, 24” deep kitchen cabinet can hold quite a bit more than the standard bedroom dresser. Many manufactured cabinets now have full-extension drawer glides which give you full access to the drawer contents, as well. Install 2 cabinets, side-by-side, add a wood countertop, some decorative bun feet or corbels and you’ll have a lovely, functional furniture piece.
Wall cabinet = Powder Room Furniture
There are some beautiful contemporary bathroom furniture pieces available, however their price can be beyond the budget, or size not right for your room. To get a similar look, use a deep, 21”-24”, wall cabinet, hung at vanity height. If it’s a wall to wall situation, secure the cabinet at the sides, as well. If a freestanding look is wanted, attach table legs to the 4 corners. Depending on the look you’re after, the legs can be a simple square, or an intricately turned shape. You’ll have to cut into the top of the cabinet for the sink and plumbing. Install your countertop of choice. This application works well with the vessel sinks that are popular today. For added stability, storage and aesthetics, you can add a finished shelf below the cabinet, between the decorative legs.
So many ideas, so little time…..more to come
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